23 Sep Stanford Study Analyzes Association Between Kidney Cancer and Blood Pressure Medications

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. Minji Jung

Minji Jung PharmD, PhD
Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Epidemiology
Department of Urology
Stanford University Medical Center
Stanford, CA

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?

Response: Hypertension is a well-established risk factor for kidney cancer, and previous studies have suggested potential links between antihypertensive medications and kidney cancer risk. However, distinguishing the effects of the medications from those of hypertension itself has been challenging. Our meta-analysis systematically evaluated different classes of antihypertensive drugs while accounting for hypertension.

MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?

Response:  We found that antihypertensive use was associated with an increased risk of kidney cancer, even after adjusting for hypertension, with the highest risk observed for calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and the lowest for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). By differentiating studies based on whether hypertension was accounted for through matching, stratification, restriction, or statistical adjustment, our analysis demonstrates that these associations are not solely driven by high blood pressure and may reflect independent effects of the medication. 

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: The key takeaway is that while some antihypertensive medications may be associated with kidney cancer risk, the underlying hypertension remains a critical driver. Clinicians and patients should not alter effective blood pressure management solely based on cancer risk concerns but should be aware of the potential associations identified. 

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: Future studies should prioritize prospective designs with detailed dose-response assessments and comprehensive blood pressure measurements to clarify causal links. Investigating the biological mechanisms by which specific antihypertensive classes may influence renal carcinogenesis is also warranted, as this could inform safer prescribing practices and identify potential targets for cancer prevention or therapeutic intervention.

Citation: Jung, M., Li, M., Shin, J. et al. Association between antihypertensive medication use and kidney cancer risk: a meta-analysis accounting for hypertension. BMC Cancer 25, 1013 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12885-025-14406-3

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Last Updated on September 23, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD